Kyle
The advice that I would give to the parents regarding there kids is to make sure that they take advantage in all of the financial aid services that are available to the students. There is money out there that will help in achieving a higher level of education, why not capitalize on that? The parents should research with their son/daughter for possible scholarship application and fill then out well before the deadline.
The students should network with their friends and research the possible schools that they are interested in. Through networking they should ask about the experiences that their friends have at that school and compare their findings to their own needs and wants. Another thing is if you are given the opportunity to visit the campus they should take advantage of this as well. Actually visiting the campus and getting a brief feeling for the surroundings with greatly assist the student in making the most beneficial decision at picking the college experience they desire. Another thing I encourage for incoming freshmen is to go Greek. I can not stress the importance in this decision for me. It has allowed me to meet many long time friends.
Amy
Go to the different schools! Talk to current students and ask for the pros and cons of that college. Know what you are looking for in a school.
Troy
First and foremost, use a college advisor. Personally, I used one of these advisors and it helped me in unforseen ways. I loved it because I was able to give my advisor all of my high school statistics and possible schools that I was thinking of, and she did the rest. Within no time at all I had not only a list of what schools I could and could not get into, I also recieved a list of other schools that I could potentially go to. Due to this extra list of schools I discovered Universities that I would have never considered if I had not used an advisor. Additionally, when you are in the process of selecting a school, make sure to visit each and every campus that you apply to. Visiting the school that you may attend will play an enormous role in which school you select. Many people end up selecting a school because of how they feel at the campus, so visiting the school of your choice is an essential in the college decision process. And most importantly, have fun! This process is a life changing experience so make sure you dont let it pass by.
David
In finding the right college, it's first important to have a general idea of what you want to do. This can mean "Do I want to party or study?" just as easily as "What do I want to major in?"
Ashley
Decide what is most important and list them. There's a college that's perfect for everyone and it might just be in the most random area of the country that you may not imagine. Reasearch is essential. Don't give up. You'll find your perfect fit.
Edward
For most high school graduates, the decision about where to go to college seems daunting, like it is the most important decision of their life. To those young men and women, I would definitely suggest doing the research about his or her perspective colleges in order to find out which ones may help them pursue their interests. But most importantly I would suggest visiting the campuses to try to see where they feel the most at home. College is not only about the books, the professors, or the class size but rather the experience gained and the things learned. I would suggest attending the school in which they are the most excited about going to so that that excitement carries over to their undergraduate years. Bad excitement yields low enthusiasm and nothing will be pulled away from the college experience, whether from the books or from other areas. When this excitement is still there it is impossible settle for anything less that what you feel you deserve and can achieve.
Liana
There are several imperative choices in a students life, and one of the biggest is selecting a college. My advice to a parent and/or a student when selecting a college would be to chose whichever one fits you best. A students happiness in his or her learning enviroment is crucial to their academic progress throughout their learning career. I can definitely say that the friendly, out-going, and laid back atmosphere here at the U of A definitely encourages me to get my work done and prevail academically. I think that the bottom line when regarding a student's education is as follows; if the student is placed in a happy, up-beat enviroment, they will do well.
Amelia
The most important advice I could give in choosing the right school is to go on tours and speak to the people that attend each college. I worked at my campus bookstore and would always give the most honest feedback I possibly could to prospective students and parents, because I knew how stressful it was to choose the school that fit me the best. I think that in order to make the most of the college experience it is important to live on campus in freshman year and to really get as involved as possible. I met all of my closest friends in my dorm my first year, and it is an opportunity I always recommend to incoming students. There are so many ways to get involved in college, such as clubs and leadership programs, which not only look great as extra-curriculars, but also help make you feel like you are part of a community, especially at a large institution. Lastly, apply to different types of colleges, you might be surprised as to what you might find when you step out of the norm!
Steve
Look at location, and what activities exist in the surrounding community. The city has a large influence on the university, if you don't care for the city, the school won't be that different. Make sure there are enough social outlets for you, greek life, clubs, sports, intermurial fun, and investigate them early! Get leads on them before you come to school!
As soon as you arrive, or beforehand if you can, talk to upperclassmen in your major. This can tell you a lot about the program you are going through, and quality of professors and opportunites in reasearch etc.
If you really want to LEARN, go to a private school, or a non reasearch based university whree learning is priority. Most universities are research universities, hence large class sizes, poor teaching or english skills in professors, and lack of care to struggling students.
Just be prepared, make sure you can make the university you plan to attend your home - because that is just what it will be for 4 or so years.
Preeth
College is an incredible and defining experience that sets the foundation for the years that follow. As a student, the most important thing to remember is to never take anything for granted. The experience is ephemeral, but its impact is permanent, and it is up to students to forge their paths and build their futures. The key to a fulfilling experience is to get involved. Most universities have clubs and organizations to match every interest, and if a specific club does not exist, students are able to create their own. Students should also take the opportunity to get to know their professors. The knowledge and experience professors offer extends beyond anything that textbooks alone could ever convey. For most students, college is the unique opportunity to be submerged in the culture and environment of their peers, where students can develop networks that enrich future careers, and friendships that last throughout their lives. As parents, it is essential to continue to foster a passion for education and higher achievement. Complacency is easy to get accustomed to; however, with support and encouragement students can realize immeasurable success. Through passion and confidence, the college experience can leave an impression that lasts a lifetime.